Do I Have to Go? 101 Questions About the Mass, the Eucharist, and Your Spiritual Life

by Chris Stefanick, Matthew J. Pinto

From playing video games to sleeping-in, teens can think of countless things they would rather do than go to Mass on Sunday morning. That is, unless they knew what they were missing. “Do I Have to Go?” explains the meaning and the mystery of Mass in such a way that teens will be asking, “Why wouldn’t I go?”

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Christian

166 pages, Nook

First published January 31, 2008

About the author

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput has called Chris Stefanick “one of the most engaging young defenders of the Christian faith on the scene today.” Chris speaks to over 50,000 teens, young adults, and parents every year.

Venues he has spoken at include hundreds of high school chastity assemblies and parish events, colleges (including Annapolis, Penn State and the US Air Force Academy) and both national and international events including the Steubenville Youth Conferences, National Catholic Youth Convention, FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) National Conference, the Knock, Ireland Youth Festival, and to 15,000 people at Manila’s Real Love Revolution. Chris was also invited to keynote at World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain.

Chris has become a regular in Catholic media, appearing frequently on Relevant Radio, and with videos featured on EWTN and Salt & Light (Catholic TV). His written word also reaches tens of thousands monthly through his popular, nationally syndicated column.

This 14-year Youth Ministry veteran served at a parish in the East LA area, as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Lacrosse, and as Director of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver. He is currently founder and President of Real Life Catholic—a nonprofit organization dedicated to reengaging a generation.

Above all, Chris is proud to be a husband and father to six beautiful children.

Reviews

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, well sign-posted book which answers every question we could possibly have about the Mass: why we need to go, what happens there, and why things happen in a certain way. Though it may be too much for a teen who no longer goes to Mass, it would help those who still go, though perhaps reluctantly, to see the much deeper meaning of the Sunday obligation.

Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

probably helpful for someone but not for me

[Robert Federline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set up in a question and answer format to discuss in simple, straightforward style the reasons why Catholics believe it is important to attend Mass every Sunday. The answers are all short and easily understood explanations of Church Doctrine. In eminently readable language many basic issues are covered in a convincing manner, from the meanings behind the Third Commandment (to keep holy the Sabbath) to the True Presence, of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

The only difficulty with the book is how to get a teenager to read it when the balk at attending the Sacrifice of the Mass. If they are the type who would actually read this book, the book itself would likely be unnecessary for them. With that said, however, it does provide excellent information for those who are attempting to respond to the rebellious teen who is questioning the necessity of getting up on a Sunday morning to attend Mass. It is also an excellent reference for converts to the faith who are attempting to understand and grow in their knowledge of how we worship and why we worship as we do.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Question and answer format. Answers a lot of basics for mass. Yes, I did learn some stuff too.